walking tour northern ireland

Walking in Northern Ireland

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The Best Walks in Northern Ireland 2023

New Walks in Northern Ireland

Autumn Strolls: Exploring the Best Trails for Autumn Colours

Walking Trails For Students

WalkNI Awards 2022 - Winning Walks

Top walks across Northern Ireland as voted for by walkers.

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Website by: Pauric McAnespy

• Giant’s Causeway Cliff Path Tours
• Other Day Tours
• Self Guided Walking Holidays

Walk Ireland's Stunning Causeway Coast

Guided or independent day tours and holidays along the Causeway Coast and Glens Hiking in this beautiful landscape is by far the best way to truly experience it.

Helping you hike in our breathtaking places.

We know that the best way to experience this world famous giant’s causeway coastline is to put your walking boots on and get out in it..

Specialising in Ireland’s world famous Causeway Coast, we provide guided walking day tours along the stunning Giant’s Causeway cliffs, independent walking holidays or bespoke, guided hiking vacations.

Let us ensure your experience is full of unforgettable, authentic and deeply renewing experiences.

Breathtaking

Avoid the crowds, choose your walking day tour.

Giants Causeway Cliff Top Experience with National Trust

Choose your walking holiday.

3 Night Walking Holiday of the Causeway Coast Way

7 night walking holiday – Causeway Coast and Glens

Over one million visitors go to the grand causeway every year., with us, you also see the entire unesco cliffs, far from the crowds..

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THE 10 BEST Northern Ireland Walking Tours

Walking tours in northern ireland.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers

• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Private Guided Walking Tour in Derry City

2. Game of Thrones - Winterfell Trek from Dublin

3. Belfast Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

4. The Story of Belfast walking tour

5. The troubles Bogside walking tour

6. Belfast Music Walking Tour

7. Belfast Troubles Tour: Walls and Bridges

8. A Small Group Eclectic Belfast Walking Experience

9. Official World Famous Belfast Taxi Tour ™

10. Derry/Londonderry - City Walls History Walking Tours

11. Full-Day Private Tour of Giants Causeway with Pick Up

12. IRA Troubles Conflict Private Tour Museum Graves Murals and Political Analysis

13. Derry Girls Original Sites Tour

14. Titanic Museum and Whiskey Distillery Exploration with Tasting

15. Best of Belfast Walking Tour

16. The Bloody Sunday Story - Walking Tour

17. Belfast Political Murals Street Art and Peace Wall Small Group Walking Tour

18. Walking Bogside History Tour in Guildhall

19. Derry Walls Authentic Private Walking Tour

20. If Buildings Could Talk Tour

21. Derry Walls Private Walking Tour

22. Explore & Taste: Distillery Tour at Titanic Distillers

23. Derry Londonderry Small Group Private Day Trip From Belfast

24. Haunted Outdoor Escape Game in Belfast

25. Derry City Bloody Sunday Bogside murals walking tour

26. Unveiling Derry's Dark and Haunted Past: Private Self-Guided Tour

27. Private Eclectic Belfast walking experience, along'The Marti Way'

28. Winter Magic in the Antrim Glens

29. Historic Private Walking Tour in the City for 1.5 hour

30. Belfast Line of Duty Walking Tour

What travellers are saying.

Tel: +44(0)7785738861/+44(0)7469331602 E: [email protected]  

E xperience and Learn about the History and Culture of our beautiful home. Take a private walking or driven tours across Northern Ireland Ask us to design a bespoke tour to trace your ancestory or follow a theme such as early Christian heritage, Ulster Scots, US Presidents or the US presence in NI during WW2.

Self-guided Walking Holidays in the UK and Ireland

UK tel: 01837 880075 or +44 (0)207 193 1252

US +1 (646) 233-1541 AUS +61 (02) 8006 0182 CAN +1 (647) 478-6251

Northern Ireland Walking Holidays

Let's go walking offers self-guided northern ireland walking holidays.

Antrim Coast in Northern Ireland

Our self-guided walking holidays are designed with your comfort and enjoyment in mind and can be tailor-made to your own personal requirements.

The routes are clearly way-marked to provide reassurance on your hiking vacation.

We use high quality guest houses, inns or small hotels with en-suite or private bathroom to ensure you are well rested each night after a busy day hiking and sightseeing. Rest assured that all our accommodation walking holiday providers are hand-picked and offer you that famous Irish hospitality.

Special diets can be catered for, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free.

We organize the luggage transfer so your bags are at your next accommodation when you arrive.

Let’s Go Walking has developed one of the largest choices of walking holidays. Our offices are staffed 9am to 9pm during our walking season (March to September) to ensure your walking holiday runs without a hitch.

Our self-guided Northern Ireland Walking Holidays include:

• Causeway Coast Way
• Causeway Coast Way and Glens of Antrim/Moyle Way
• Glens Of Antrim/Moyle Way

Causeway Coast Way Walking Holiday

A 26 mile coastal section of the Ulster Way in Northern Ireland between Portrush and Ballycastle, including the world famous Giant’s Causeway and Carrick a Rede rope bridge. This route can be walked in either direction.

This is one of our Coastal Walking Holidays in UK and Ireland and also one of our Northern Ireland Walking Holidays .

Causeway Coast Way and Glens of Antrim/Moyle Way Walking Holiday

A 53 mile walking trail combining the Causeway Coast Way and the Moyle Way, walking between Portrush to Ballycastle, and through the Glens of Antrim to Cushendall. This route can be walked in either direction.

Glens of Antrim Walking Holiday on the Moyle Way

A 29 mile section of the Ulster Way in Northern Ireland between Ballycastle and Cushendall through the Glens of Antrim along the Moyle Way. This route can be walked in either direction.

This is one of our Moorland Walking Holidays and also one of our Northern Ireland Walking Holidays .

Lecale Way Walking Holiday

A 41 mile coastal section of the Ulster Way in Northern Ireland from Strangford to Newcastle.

This is one of our Coastal Walking Holidays in UK and Ireland , and also one of our Northern Ireland Walking Holidays .

Mourne Way Walking Holiday

A 30 mile section of The Ulster Way in Northern Ireland through the Mourne Mountains from Newcastle to Rostrevor. 

This is one of our Moorland Walking Holidays , and also one of our Northern Ireland Walking Holidays .

Please contact us if you have any questions.

Our telephone Lines are open 7 days a week.

UK +44 (0)1837 880075 or +44 (0)207 193 1252 March to September 9am to 9pm October to February 9am to 5pm US +1 (646) 233-1541 New York 5 hours behind UK time: March to September 4am to 4pm EST October to February 4am to 12noon EST AUS +61 (02) 8006 0182 Sydney 10 hours ahead of UK time:  March to September 7pm to 7am EADT October to February 7pm to 3am EADT CAN +1 (647) 4786251 Toronto 5 hours behind UK time: March to September 4am to 4pm EST October to February 4am to 12noon EST or

All prices subject to change

Extra nights from £64.00 per person depending on location

Pembrokeshire Coast Path Walking Holiday Herbrandston to Cardigan or vice versa Suggested Tour Duration: 12 nights, 11 days walking Total Distance: 126 miles/203kms Min/max daily distance: 9.5/16 miles 15/26kms Average Daily distance: 11 miles/18kms Grading: moderate strenuous in parts Features: St Davids Cathedral St Non’s Chapel Neolithic burial chambers This route connects with: Wales Coast Path

Tavistock Bedford Hotel

double/twin £55.00

Single please ask

Brodick Douglas Hotel

double/twin £65.00

single please ask

Douglas Hotel half board

Can be added when booking online                      Subject to availability              Supplement per person per night

South West Coast Path Terrain Grading

Easy:   flat or undulating terrain Moderate:   a few ups and downs, the section requiring more effort than an easy section. For example, a section of 9 miles can require the amount of effort needed for 12 miles. Strenuous:   many ups and downs, the section requiring more effort than a moderate section. For example, a section of 9 miles can require the amount of effort needed for 15 miles. Severe:    many steep climbs, the section requiring twice the amount of effort as an easy section. For example, a section of 9 miles can require the amount of effort needed for 18 miles.

UNCOVER BELFAST

Belfast is a city of stories,  fascinating characters,

significant events and beautiful  architecture. 

Step back in time,  walk its historic 

streets and see  the sites with 

qualified, passionate local guides

Choose a tour

Whatever you’re into, there’s a Belfast Walking Tour for you!

We explore the rich history of Belfast through various themed and location specific tours;

Themes:  Architecture, Street Art, Historic Pubs, Churches, “the Troubles”

Locations: Titanic Quarter, Cathedral Quarter, Linen Quarter, Queen’s Quarter

highlights tour

The highlights of belfast tour.

Uncover the very best of Belfast in this premier walking tour. You’ll explore Belfast’s oldest streets, and experience the city’s hidden stories. You’ll find out what makes Belfast so special. This tour covers a wee bit of everything making it the perfect way to spend a few hours in Belfast.

Troubles History

Highlights of Belfast Tour

The Best of Belfast Highlights Tour (11am-1pm from Merchant Hotel) includes architecture, street art, public art, historic pubs and stories of the city's development and significant events of the past . This is a daily public tour but can also be booked as a private tour to suit individual requirements.

Art in the heart of the City

Have your cameras at the ready as you discover the rich canvas of world class street art that is Belfast city. This street art tour will give you a whole different perspective on Belfast with its amazing selection of contemporary art which link into the history and heritage of the city

Pack up your Troubles

Step into the darkest era of Belfast’s bloody history in this impartial and unbiased political walking tour.

EXPERIENCE BELFAST THROUGH THE EYES OF A LOCAL

There’s no better way to get to the heart of a city, through

authentic stories, told by people born and reared here.

BORN & BRED IN BELFAST

Belfast Walking Tours are a collaboration of local Belfast certified tour guides who offer various themed walking tours and services throughout the city.

We absolutely love the city and are passionate, fortunate and very proud to call it our home. Our aim is to share Belfast’s amazing past, present and future in a fun and informative way, highlighting the best our city has to offer.

We feel it’s a privilege and we’re honoured to be hosts. We love Belfast and we want you to love it too. If we can help in any way please reach out and ask.

Our guides are all accredited members of Tour Guides NI, the largest and best association of Tour Guides in Northern Ireland. They are college trained on tourism, hospitality and tour guiding.

Exceptional historical knowledge with down to earth Belfast craic.

I had a fantastic time on Belfast Walking Tour’s Historic Pub Crawl. Paul & Larry were amazing guides who showed us around some of Belfast’s oldest and most unique pubs. From the smallest pub to the oldest pub, each its own remarkable story. They packed a lot of history in. I’d highly recommend Belfast Walking Tours to anyone wanting to explore Belfast.

Great tour. Highly recommended.

Larry did a wonderful job with this tour. He was able to tailor it to our groups needs and was very flexible with us. I loved the spots we went to on the tour and the history that he shared with them. I would definitely recommend this tour!

Do not miss this experience

I have been on 2 different Belfast Waking Tours and both were amazing. Larry's knowledge of Belfast history is unbelievable and he made the tours both enjoyable and informative. Do not miss the opportunity to join one of these tours... first class.

These guys know their stuff!

I attended Belfast Walking Tours' architectural tour in Belfast city entre, and would certainly recommend the tour. Larry, who led the tour was knowledgeable and engaging, and certainly knows his stuff. I went to school in Belfast city centre for years, and always worked there, but, despite this, I picked up lots of information on the tour, which I'm sure would be of interest to both tourists and locals alike. I hope to go on a few more of Belfast Walking Tours' walks, and would highly recommend

We have just come back from a tour of Belfast with Paul, we found it immensely enjoyable and at times emotional. We cannot recommend him enough

Our tours tell the history of the city though its historic buildings, authentic pubs, beautiful churches, its landscape and landmarks, historic monuments, public art and street art. We offer a variety of different types of walking tours.

If you’re a visitor to the city, we’ll give you an unforgettable Belfast experience in one of the friendliest cities in the world. Or if you’re local, you’ll learn things you never knew and see Belfast in a whole new light.

We have Covid secure policies in place to keep you as safe as possible.

Cotton Court, Waring Street, Belfast BT1 2ED

Monday to Sunday: 9am - 9pm

Providing Tours of Derry / Londonderry for over 25 years

Attractions

Traffic & parking, providing tours of the city for over 25 years.

Originally started by ‘Mr Derry’ Martin McCrossan amidst the troubled time period in the city of the early 90s.  Martin was named ‘Tourism Hero’ by Tourism NI amongst winning many other accolades in his career as a tour guide.

Only 5 Star Tour Operator in Derry.

Charlene McCrossan , Martin’s daughter stepped into Martin’s shoes following his passing realizing that they were big shoes to fill.  She has since led the company from strength to strength and maintained Tourism NI’s 5 star status. 

Blue Badge in Tourist Guiding

In 2018, Charlene obtained her Blue Badge in Tourist Guiding. This is the highest professional tourist guiding qualification  and she is proudly the youngest Blue Badge professional tourist guide in the entire country.

Our History

Years in business, year old walled city, star walking tour (only 5* tour in the city), people in our team, our city tours offer a full factual background of our history.

PUBLIC TOURS EVERYDAY AT 10AM, 12NOON, 2PM & 4PM ONLY £6PP, NO NEED TO BOOK JUST SHOW UP AT 11 CARLISLE ROAD.

The McCrossan family background is integrated between the two main communities of Northern Ireland and through this we provide our visitors with a factual, non-bias tour.  We cover all aspects of the city’s history from the 6th century Christian settlement right up to the modern day troubles including Bloody Sunday.

Our guides are uniformed, professional and personable – be sure to look out for the yellow coats and you will not be disappointed.

"My husband and I did the walking tour with Tony around the walls of Derry which took approximately 1 hour and 15 mins. It was absolutely brilliant, so much history captured in a short time and the guide, Tony, was exceptional in providing an insight into the history of Derry. I would highly recommend this tour and guide, Tony, to anyone who wants to learn more about Derry and the troubles it has faced over the years. I left feeling in awe of the people of Derry, especially the women, their resilience after such trauma."

clairecarpenter78

“ I can highly recommend this walking tour to old and young, a great way to see the city and learn about its past and present. Our tour guide was Pat, he kept us all engaged and had us laughing and giggling throughout the tour, most enjoyable."

“ We had an amazing tour with Philip. He was very informative, knowledgeable and funny. Despite the rain and wind he had a good spirit, it was also very price worthy 6 pound for 1.5 hour walking tour, I definitely recommend it ☺️"

R4429VDsharona

"Charlene McCrossan has done her da proud!! Best tour! Charlene was funny, informative, every so knowledgeable and she really knew and understood how to lead a group that was so eager to see everything and learn everything they could in a mere hour and a half. She answered questions quickly and with such passion and insight. I really enjoyed this tour and highly recommend."

Seaside03814917852

" John McNulty was the guide who was amazing. His knowledge personality and humour made the hour long experience the best way to find out all about the history of this amazing city walls."

Voyage11184484523

" Did the walking tour on Thursday 5th January 2023 with Sorcha. It was a wonderful tour, Sorcha was so well informed, passionate about Derry and had a real warmth about her. She answered any questions with real skill and flair. Love that they linked it back at the end to the man that started the whole tour back 20+ years ago, sounds like a special man. Would thoroughly recommend to anyone else visiting Derry. Thank you!"

Louise99Ireland

" As we were visiting Derry we decided to do the Derry Girls walking tour and we had a great time. Garvan our tour guide was very knowledgeable and funny. Would highly recommend McCrossan walking tours in Derry for all types of tours. Professional and friendly and have a wealth of knowledge of their city."

In Proud Partnership with...

Company Overview Charlene McCrossan gives...

…an overview of the company & what the City of Derry has to offer.

Latest Blog Posts

Discover what to do, where to stay and where to eat by reading our latest blog posts.

Top 10 Things to do in Derry

Eating out in Derry

Museums In the City

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citytoursderry

• Route planner

Northern Ireland

Hiking in Northern Ireland

Atmospheric summits crowned by evocative tors of granite; a sumptuous coastline where patchwork pastureland abuts against spectacular terraced cliffs; magnificent lakes boasting wonderful wildlife: walks in Northern Ireland have all this and so much more.

Containing nine designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), there is a wealth of fantastic trails through a wide variety of landscapes. For hillwalkers, the brooding granite peaks of the Mourne Mountains offer wonderful adventures, whilst the unspoilt beauty of the Sperrins will have you returning time and time again to their tranquil, heather-clad tops.

The best walks and hikes in Northern Ireland

Giant's causeway via the ampitheatre — causeway coast aonb, slieve donard from donard park — mourne aonb.

Let us show you the way with the komoot mobile app

Giant's causeway visitor centre to the organ via aird's snout — causeway coast aonb, dunseverick to giant's causeway — causeway coast aonb, cave hill country park loop, hare's gap & slieve bearnagh from trassey car park — mourne aonb, blue quarry to slieve doan — mourne aonb, portballintrae to giant's causeway loop via the organ — causeway coast aonb, scenic trail — antrim coast & glens aonb, giant's causeway & giant's gate from giant's causeway station — causeway coast aonb, more information, mountain trails up its slieves.

For upland aficionados, the best hiking trails in Northern Ireland are those that criss-cross the dramatic Mourne Mountains AONB. From the High Mournes in the east to the Low Mournes in the west, there are almost endless permutations for great adventures in this compact, yet complex range. From glorious woodland strolls in Tollymore Forest Park to strenuous peak bagging challenges across the high tops, there’s something for every inclination.

Traversing the mountains for a full twenty miles (32 km), the dry stone Mourne Wall is an intriguingly distinctive feature. It crosses fifteen summits, including national high point Slieve Donard at 2,790 feet (850 m), and the challenge of following its entire length is deservedly popular. Newcastle, with its cafés, restaurants and gear shops, is a great base, or you can set off into the hills with your tent for a wild camp.

The Causeway Coast and Glens

For lovers of sea air and spectacular coastal scenery, hikes in Northern Ireland don’t get much better than those found on the Causeway Coast AONB. For many, the main draw is the unique, natural splendour of the Giant’s Causeway. As waves lap against the shore, marvel at the 40,000 interlocked basalt columns, their distinctive geometric shapes the result of an ancient volcanic eruption.   

Epic vistas of terraced cliffs and shattered headlands; vertigo-inducing rope bridges between strips of land; idyllic fishing villages offering a warm welcome: the whole of the Antrim Coast is a delight. Long linear routes that hug the marvellous shoreline are made possible by the Causeway Rambler bus service. Inland, the verdant Glens of Antrim offer yet more gorgeous hill walks, albeit less strenuous than those found in the Mournes and the Sperrins.

A land of loughs

Northern Ireland is home to Lough Neagh, the UK’s largest freshwater lake, and Strangford Lough, its largest coastal inlet. Both offer lovely lakeside walks, perfect for the family and teeming with fascinating wildlife, such as Strangford’s seal colonies.

Some of the finest lakeside walks in Northern Ireland are those found in Fermanagh in the south west. Renowned for the picturesque scenery of island-studded Lough Erne, the region is also famous for the incredible underworld found at Marble Arch Caves, a Global Geopark. County high point Cuilcagh Mountain boasts great hiking trails, superb sandstone cliffs and marvellous flora and fauna.

Explore these walks and hikes on the map

Our Tour recommendations are based on thousands of activities completed by other people on komoot.

Popular around Northern Ireland

Hiking Collection by komoot

Find the perfect Tour

Explore the most popular tours in northern ireland, discover the most popular attractions in northern ireland.

Didn’t find what you were looking for? Check out more Hikes throughout Northern Ireland below and find the perfect Tour in your destination.

• Castlereagh
• Antrim Coast And Glens Aonb
• Strangford And Lecale Aonb
• Guns Island
• Ballygammon
• Upper Malone
• Victoria Park
• Newry And Mourne
• Ballydownfine
• Greencastle
• Magherafelt
• Ballymaghan
• Black Mountain
• Lowwood Intake
• Ballycloghan
• Carrickfergus
• Ballygomartin
• Queen'S Island
• Englishtown
• Sydenham Intake
• Ballymiscaw
• Hannahstown
• North Strangford Lough National Nature Reserve
• Newtownabbey
• Ballymurphy
• Ballyaghagan
• Malone Upper
• Ballyhackamore
• Copeland Island
• Sperrin Aonb
• Ballymacarret Intake
• Upper Ballysillan
• Ballymagarry
• The Skerries
• Ballymisert
• Lower Ballysillan
• Ballyrushboy
• Ballymacarret
• Malone Lower

Explore more of United Kingdom : Browse the best Hikes in other regions.

Home – Northern Ireland Tours

Experience northern ireland.

Explore Ancient Armagh and Bristling Belfast.

Why Northern Ireland?

You may ask the question is there really the need for a Tour Guide nowadays with so many downloadable apps available and with so much information at the touch of a button on your phone but they cannot give you the personal experience of your own private guide, in addition they cannot answer any immediate questions you might have during or at the end of the tour. A Tour Guide can provide humour and inspiration, you are not listening to a recording but a real person whose presentation can be adapted to the needs of the group and tour subject. You may not hear the human stories with an app but with a real living tour guide you get to live your experience. An app cannot give you the passion for a place which a local can.

Tours are on request depending on availability – early booking is recommended. Donna works with international groups, national groups,local groups whoever desires a tour can be catered for. She has experience of working with media and has featured on French TV and radio as well as being interviewed for local radio stations BBC N Ireland and U105.

Armagh City Tours

From world renowned Cathedrals to our award winning Cideries, and everything in between - here are the key sites to see when you visit Armagh City.

Belfast City Walking Tours

Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and has a population of approximately 300,000. The name originates from the Gaelic - Béal Feirste which means "mouth of the sand-bank ford". With a Tour Guide you will discover more about this captivating city

French Speaking Tours

This is the best way to experience Northern Ireland if you are a French Speaker. Donna and her French speaking colleagues have studied the language to degree level and have extensive experience guiding guests from francophone countries

All Our Northern Ireland Tours

Walking tour of Armagh City

Light hearted narrative along the way providing an insight to local history & traditions of Armagh City.

Unearthing Macha

For 7,500 years people have been drawn to Armagh. Tribes and druids, knights and kings, saints and scholars, innovators and creative talents, legendary names from Irish folklore and history.

Orchard Tour Armagh

Go on an Orchard Tour Armagh, with a tasting session included at the end.

Belfast City Walking Tour

You will be treated to an insight to the various districts of Belfast.

Peace Walls Tour

Book your chance to visit the iconic Belfast Peace Walls while you can...

Georgian Themed Walking Tours

The annual Georgian Festival at the end of November is one of the highlights of the annual calendar in Armagh City.

Afternoon Tea & Walking Tour Armagh

Would you like to savour a delicious afternoon tea prepared by one of the top Head Chefs in Northern Ireland?

Public Art Trail

Armagh has a very interesting and diverse Public Art Trail. What is Public Art? It is art for everyone, it can be tall or small, abstract, realistic, sculpted, carved, painted, assembled, cast from a wealth of materials and masonry.

Armagh City Brunch to Lunch

Enjoy the experience of tasting local produce prepared by award winning chefs

Saint Patrick Themed Tour

Be captivated by stories of St Patrick, St Brigid and other well known Irish Saints.

Guest Testimonials

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Save on Summer! Use code SUMMER2024 for  £100GBP off trips starting July & August 2024

Walking Holidays Northern Ireland

Northern ireland.

• Walk the best of the Saint Patrick’s Way pilgrimage trail
• Visit the Giant’s Causeway, an ancient geological wonder
• Explore Game of Thrones filming locations in the Mourne Mountains
• Soak up the atmosphere of the Queen of the Glens in Glenariff
• Meet our Northern Irish hosts sharing their food, music and stories
• Be amazed by the sheer amount of birdlife on the rugged Rathlin Island

Experience one of our walking trips in Northern Ireland and discover some of the most scenic landscapes along the way. This fairly undiscovered corner of the island is home to rugged coasts, striking rock formations, lush green countryside and inspiring cities.

One of Northern Ireland’s most famous landmarks is the Giant’s Causeway, a geological wonder steeped in history. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is visited on our Causeway Coast & Antrim Glens itineraries . Another one of our great walks is the Saint Patrick’s Way , following a pilgrim’s trail through the dramatic Mourne Mountains and beyond. With a warm welcome from the locals and atmospheric pubs, you are sure to enjoy your walking adventure in this beautiful part of the world.

Macs Adventure has been sending travellers on memorable journeys in Northern Ireland since 2009. We have researched this outstanding place and created some of the best walks that will be sure to delight. With a wealth of knowledge from our Destination & Adventure Specialists and an expert bookings team, all that is left for you to do is pick an itinerary!

Featured Adventures - Northern Ireland

Saint Patrick's Way Short Break

Causeway Coast and Antrim Glens

Causeway Coast Short Break

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Cave Hill walking tour

Explore Belfast's famous hill with walking guide, Rodney and Nikki

Exploring Belfast’s famous hill in the company of a guide brings this landscape and all its stories to life

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“This must be the only place in Ireland where you can see giraffes and elephants on your walk.” I’m standing at the top of Cave Hill looking down at Belfast Zoo with walking guides Rodney Ferguson and Nicky Jones. And while we can’t see any giraffes, we do spy some brown bears lumbering around in the enclosure below. I imagine them scrambling up these shadowy hills after dark, roaming the silent forest and bellowing over the city.

Cave Hill, Belfast

© Shutterstock

Rising to a height of over 370 metres, and visible from almost everywhere in the city, Cave Hill occupies a special place in the hearts, minds and lives of Belfast’s citizens. Marked by the caves from which it gets its name, the hill is also famous for a lofty cliff called Napoleon’s Nose, which nature has sculpted to resemble the French emperor. Along the top of this ridge, there are also the remains of an Iron Age fortification called McArts Fort.

Girls relaxing on Cave Hill, Belfast

Man walking Cave Hill, Belfast

From here, the panoramic views stretch out to take in the Titanic Quarter , Belfast Lough and the Mourne Mountains . But from below, the craggy silhouette of Cave Hill looks imposing and monumental. In her poem, Mountain Shapes, 19th century poet Alice Milligan immortalised its connection to Belfast:

“Look up from the streets of the city,

Look high beyond tower and mast,

What hand of what Titan sculptor

Smoke the crags on the mountains vast”

These crags are said to have inspired author Jonathan Swift to create Gulliver’s Travels, resembling, as they do, a sleeping giant. And while there is no evidence to this story, it’s a romantic tale that certainly captures the imagination.

But Cave Hill doesn’t need tall tales – it has history, it has geology, it has drama. And a walk around it is the way to get to know it best.

Belfast Castle, Cave Hill Country Park

We started today’s Belfast Cave Hill Walking Tour down the hill at 19th century Scottish baronial-style Belfast Castle , set within elegant formal gardens which are filled, strangely enough, with cats.

“There are nine cats hidden in the garden, some are quite obvious,” explains guide Nicky as we look at a topiary cat, resplendent in green, “but I still haven’t found them all.”

Built in the late 19th century, the Belfast Castle estate is today largely used as a wedding venue, and while the interior is a little spartan, the views across Belfast Lough that tumble down from the drawing rooms are spectacular. It’s what the Shaftesbury family, who lived here in the 19th and 20th centuries, would surely have prized most about the place. In 1934, the family donated the castle to Belfast city and the Cave Hill Country Park was established in 1994.

Interior of Belfast Castle

Emerging into a fine drizzle that is typical of a “soft” Irish day, Nicky, Rodney and I set off. Heading up through the woods, we’re enveloped in a brilliant canopy of green with pockets of pale light spilling through the trees. We walk under beech and horse chestnuts, weaving along trails fringed with cow parsley, elderflower and nettle. “During the Famine years, nettles were used a lot,” Rodney tells me as we walk. “They’re a rich source of iron, but you have to get them young – the older leaves are full of toxins.”

This wilderness that sits above Belfast has unsurprisingly attracted diverse groups of people at different times through the ages from Iron Age Celts to 19th century workers looking for some downtime.

“Belfast is built on a limestone base with an overlay of basalt,” Rodney explains. “In the middle of that, there was a lot of flint – that’s what the earliest settlers would have made their tools from. And you can still find original axe heads and things scattered around the hills. In the Early Christian era, from around 400-800AD, there were actually a lot of people who lived here… hundreds of families.”

Walking guide, Rodney Ferguson, drinks from a spring

Wild garlic, sorrel and herbs are plentiful in the summer, Rodney explains as we head onward under the trees. We stop close to an earthy mound as he points out what he describes as a “volunteer’s well”. It was named after the Irish Volunteers of the late 18th century – a militia set up in response to the threat of a French or American invasion at the time.

“The water that’s springing up here is very pure,” says Rodney as he steps into the spring to take a sip. I learn that it takes an astonishing 1,000 years from when it falls as rain to get to the well through the limestone and the basalt. “Wells like this would have allowed anyone hiding out in these hills to survive,” Rodney tells me. This one was also used as a pit-stop by visitors who visited Cave Hill on their Easter break in the 19th century.

Landscapes of Cave Hill

On we go, hiking steeply up rough paths through the remainder of the forest. As we emerge out into open space, the sight of the famous caves come into view – large man-made craters that puncture the sheer cliff face. The caves were said to have been used in olden times as prison cells and hiding places and for storage. Today, it’s advised to stay away as the rock around here can be unstable.

Sights of Belfast and Northern Ireland on Cave Hill walking tour

More interestingly is the large semi-circle underneath the lowest cave, known as the “Devil’s Punchbowl”. “There was probably some mining activity here at one time,” Rodney says. “We don’t really know, but it was used in the early days by farmers who were bringing their cattle to market. They would have kept them down here for a couple of days to feed them up.”

Doesn’t explain the name though… Rodney smiles wryly. “It got its name from being somewhere people came to party. There were some notorious people back in the day who made poitín, which was called the ‘devil’s buttermilk’. This is where parties would have been held at Easter and in summer.”

Walking guide, Rodney Ferguson

As we head on up towards the summit of Cave Hill, Rodney points out ravens’ nests, swifts and swallows. “When you get to the top of the hill here, you might get a blast of wind coming from the other side,” he warns, and he’s not wrong. We’re out onto open pasture – a completely different landscape from what we’ve been walking in. The wind whips around as we look at a small cairn site, which possibly dates back to Neolithic times and Rodney explains about the continuing interest in excavations in this incredibly rich historical area.

As we walk to Napoleon’s Nose, it feels like we are a million miles away from Belfast city centre we’re looking out over. Under racing skies and in a wind that sweeps in soft mist one minute and blue skies the next, we look out onto sea, mountain and Belfast’s neighbourhoods.

We’ve a descent to do yet, which will take about 40 minutes, but for right now, at right this moment… it's a perfect place to be.

Where do you want to go?

Do you feel like tasting wild Atlantic sea spray on your lips? Strolling through vibrant city streets? Exploring ancient ruins? Right this way…

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Guided Walking Tours LP (Ireland)

Guided walking tours of ireland.

Our guided walking holidays in Ireland are designed for your convenience and enjoyment. You’ll enjoy a relaxed pace so you can appreciate the stunning scenery along Ireland’s most iconic walking routes.

Prefer hiking on your own at your own pace? You might like our self guided walking tours in Ireland instead. Choose from a variety of routes and lengths of hikes with a plan that’s completely organised for you, from accommodations to luggage transfers and more!

About Our Guided Hiking Tours in Ireland

Ireland boasts a variety of routes and regions where you can enjoy diverse landscapes and beautiful scenery. From mesmerising coastal routes to ancient ruins, from easy woodland trails to challenging ascents, you can find whatever you enjoy right here on a hiking tour in Ireland.

At Footfalls Walking Holidays, we cater to each unique group, ensuring everyone is comfortable and safe as we walk together each day. With lots of single travellers, as well as some couples and families, we like to give everyone space and time to get to know each other and to find a comfortable cadence as we walk together.

Our daily walks range between 10 and 15 kilometres per day and we cap our groups at 14 total to keep things fun and easy to manage.

From your arrival at the airport, we take care of everything along the way: luggage transfers, transportation, food, accommodation, and showing you daily trails and landmarks.

We choose accommodations in local family-run bed and breakfasts, small hotels or guesthouses, where you will enjoy a friendly welcome and all the comforts of home.

You can join us as an individual, couple, or as part of a group of friends or family. Our hope is for you to return home revitalised and refreshed after your guided walking tour of Ireland and its stunning natural beauty!

Below, you’ll find our recommended routes around Ireland that we know and love. If you have any questions at all, feel free to contact us and we’d be delighted to help.

Guided Walking Routes in Ireland

Ireland north.

8-Day Guided Walking Tour: Donegal & Antrim (Ireland North)

Grade: Easy to Moderate

7-Day Guided Walking Holiday in Belfast & The Mourne Mountains

Ireland north west.

Our guided walking tours of Ireland takes in the quaint island of Achill, Ballycroy National Park and the magnificent wild Atlantic seacliffs of Carrowteige. 

8-Day Guided Wild Atlantic Way Walking Tour: North-West (Ireland North-West)

Grade: Easy

Ireland West

8-Day Guided Walking Tour: Connemara, The Burren & Aran Islands (Ireland West)

Ireland south-west.

8-Day Guided Walking Tour: Cork & Kerry (Ireland Southwest)

8-Day Guided Walking Tour: Wild Atlantic Way South-West (Ireland South-West)

Ireland east.

8-Day Guided Walking Tour in Wales & Wicklow

6-Day Guided Walking Tour: Wicklow Mountains Deluxe (Ireland East)

Welcome to  The Emigrant's Walk

Guided Walking Tours on the historic Carntogher Mountain, Co Derry. 

The Emigrants Walk

3 hour guided hill walking tour.

Walk in the footsteps of Irish migrants as they escape the horrors of the Great Hunger and make their way to the new world.  Let local tour guide Cathy O’Neill tell you their story on this gentle hike up the Carntogher Mountain, just outside Maghera along the Old Coach Road from Belfast to Derry.  This 6k walk will take you through countryside almost unchanged since famine times and you will be rewarded at the top with a stunning views of Lough Neagh, the Sperrins and the Mourne Mountains.

An Emigrant's Trail

Half day experience.

Walk in the footsteps of an Emigrant leaving Famine stricken Ireland… local famine expert Cathy O'Neill will guide you up Carntogher Mountain, where the famine-struck emigrants once walked their final footsteps on Irish soil.   You will place your own stone on the "Carn" and feel what the emigrants felt as they departed their beloved homeland.

At the site of an original soup kitchen, Friels Bar & Restaurant, you will see an authentic Famine Pot, taste the Nettle soup they would have been served and learn more about local emigrants.

Contact us to book private or group tours.

Tel: 07976321808

Email: [email protected]

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A History of Terror

This award-winning city centre tour explains the Troubles and the peace process with honesty and great insight. The tour visits the locations of major events during the most turbulent period of the conflict.

A History of Terror is the No.1 Belfast Troubles tour. It runs every day starting at 10.30am. Tickets cost £22 per person.

A History of Terror was named #4 Experience in the UK at the TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards 2019 and Highly Commended at the Northern Ireland Tourism Awards in 2019 in the category ‘Authentic Northern Ireland Experience of the Year’. It is graded 5 Stars by Tourism NI .

About the tour

Your tour will start with a short introduction to Irish and British history and the background to the start of the ‘Troubles’ in the late 1960s. We then visit seven locations in the city centre where major events occurred between 1971 and 1976. We use the stories of these events to explain what happened and why, and how it affected nearly every part of our daily lives.

What you will learn

This tour explains how the Troubles began. We tell the stories of the people involved, their place in the conflict and the effect these attacks and incidents had on the city and its people. We do all this from an entirely neutral, civilian perspective. The tour also shows how far the city has come since the ceasefires and Peace Process.

It is suitable for anyone visiting Belfast, regardless of how much or little you already know of our troubled past. The tour is a way for you to get a real feel for our history and make a deeper emotional connection with the city.

See Belfast in a new light

Many guests say they have felt transported back in time through the rich and detailed story-telling in this tour. They understand and appreciate how far the city has come since those dark days and come to see Belfast in a new light.

The tour has a factual core script to ensure it is historically accurate, unbiased and non-partisan. But our guides are also encouraged to take ownership of their tour. They bring it to life by recounting their own personal experiences during the Troubles.

Expert guides

There is plenty of time built into the tour to allow you to ask questions and for us to answer them meaningfully.

Our guides are not just guides, but politically neutral conflict historians. We are all experts in our field and we pride ourselves on being able to answer practically any question.

Highlights include:

Discover how 800 years of history brought about the birth of the troubles in the 1960s

Learn about life in Belfast during the troubles through the personal stories of guides who lived through it

Step into history at the actual sites of the most important events of the conflict

Hear how peace was achieved and witness the resilience and regeneration of the city

Visit a forgotten troubles memorial and learn about the legacies and challenges we face today

Guaranteed to be 100% neutral and non-partisan

Ready to take the tour?

Book securely online now!

What we offer

Tickets cost £22 per person

High quality Vox tour guide audio systems are available on all tours to guarantee you an exceptional experience.

Scheduled tours run every day at 10.30am.

Our starting point is the front gates of Belfast City Hall.

Your guide will be wearing a black jacket or t-shirt with the DC Tours logo on the left breast.

The tour covers 1.5 miles and lasts 2 hours 30 minutes.

It finishes on the banks of the river Lagan by the Beacon of Hope, just a five minute walk from your starting point.

All tours run come rain or shine. You should wear comfortable shoes, check the weather forecast and wear appropriate clothing.

The tour is wheelchair accessible. Belfast City Centre is completely flat, so no hills or steps are involved.

The tour operates all year, with the exception of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day and July 12th public holiday.

Read our reviews!

“Mark was our guide, and his knowledge was simply astounding. Would highly recommend this to anyone thinking of visiting Belfast, it really opens your eyes and makes your trip more rewarding.”

“These guys aren’t any run of the mill tour guides, they are historians!!”

“So impressive and thought-provoking. The amount of information you managed to pack in was incredible, and you really brought history to life for us. Will be thinking about this for a long time to come.”

“Mark put the Troubles in perspective for us. It was an excellent tour: living history. You could feel Mark’s commitment, which made it a special experience for us.”

“Fascinating tour of Belfast focused on the Troubles. Our guide was amazing with his knowledge, friendliness, and candor in explaining a very complicated issue.”

“Fascinating Informative Tour – Our guide Paul gave us a fantastic insight into the recent history of Belfast with his knowledge and passion for his subject & his city.”

“Our guide was friendly and warm, which along with the character of Belfast, set the tour up for success straight away. What ascended the experience towards something quite profound was the knowledge, honesty, wit and humanity of Paul.”

“Paul was excellent. He added his personal experience to his historic knowledge. It was lively, interesting and fun. He also patiently answered all my questions at the end of the tour. Thank you!”

“The time flew by.Paul was a fantastic guide, who had his audience in the palm of his hand. Our two teenage children were fascinated. As first time visitors to Belfast this was a not-to-be-missed insight into its difficult past.”

“The tour was incredible. Gabe brought the history of the troubles to life. A thought provoking experience.”

“Fascinating, educational and entertaining! – Great tour. James did a cracking job describing specific incidents whilst also covering off the bigger picture. Learned so much and really enhanced my trip to Belfast!”

“A serious subject delivered respectfully but with a lightness of touch and optimism for the future which left us feeling positive and looking forward to exploring further. Thanks James!”

“James is such a friendly guide. As close as you’ll come on a short visit to feeling welcomed by the people of Belfast, so warm-hearted despite their terrible recent history. I ended the tour feeling hope for their future. Thanks James!”

“The tour was moving, personal, and absolutely excellent. It was one of those rare travel experiences that I will be thinking about for years to come.”

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Emerald Isle of Ireland

July 4 – 11, 2024 • 8 days • $3890, optional aran islands pre-tour july 2 – 4, 2024 • 3 days • $1490, optional northern ireland & giant’s causeway extension july 11 – 13, 2024 • 3 days • $1590.

As travelers, we’re always looking for pots of gold at the end of the wanderer’s rainbow, that postcard-perfect vista, a priceless interaction with a local, or that magical musical experience that delights us anew with the gifts of mankind on this one-of-a-kind planet!

We’ve found many such opportunities in Ireland—it’s a country rich in cultural experiences and “pots of gold” for adventurous travelers. Check out the full itinerary below and consider joining us for things highlights and many others.

• Cliffs of Moher  – where we contemplate the diminutive state of man as we walk along windswept sandstone cliffs, 600 feet above the crashing waves of the Atlantic (Pre-tour)
• Dun Aengus fortress  – an ancient seaside patchwork of remote stone walls on the rugged Aran Island of Inishmore (Pre-tour);
• Gallarus Oratory  – marveling at the simple, enduring architectural genius of medieval monks during our walk through the emerald-green landscapes of Dingle Peninsula, western-most point of Europe
• Gap of Dunloe  – a winding gorge path that courses beside quiet mountain lakes and crosses babbling brooks on ageless, arched stone bridges
• Glendalough  – gazing down from our walking trail in the enchanting Wicklow Mountains onto the monastery’s centuries-old Round Tower on our trail along the verdant “valley between the lakes”
• Dublin  – imbibing the spirit of Ireland’s capital and a quintessential walking city, on an all-day walk that captures points of historical import and cultural connections
• Giant’s Causeway  – situated on the northern coast of Northern Ireland (Extension), one of our most spectacular sea cliff walks winds through one of only 3 UNESCO sites in the island of Ireland

Overview / Trip Details

• Tour Details
• Extension (Optional)

EMERALD ISLE OF IRELAND

• All land travel by motorcoach as outlined
• Superior tourist-class or better hotel accommodations
• 12 meals: All breakfasts and 5 dinners as listed (BD)
• 4 walk routes
• Walking fees for those collecting IVV credit (pending sanction approval)
• Cultural and historical expertise of national and local guides throughout
• WAI guide service throughout (2 guides)
• All tipping for national and local guides, coach drivers and group meals
• Pricing is based on double occupancy. A limited number of single rooms is available for a supplement of $625. We also provide a roommate matching service.

Activities / Visits to:

• Slea Head Drive – Dingle Peninsula
• Gallarus Oratory – Dingle Peninsula
• Killarney National Park
• Upper Lake boat ride
• Rock of Cashel visit
• Glendalough Visitor Centre
• Dublin on an all-day walk
• Riverdance stage show
• More fun stops than we can list!

OPTIONAL ARAN ISLANDS, GALWAY, & CLIFFS OF MOHER PRE-TOUR

• Round-trip ferry transportation to Inishmore, one of the Aran Islands
• Minibus transportation on Inishmore
• Tourist-class or better hotel accommodations
• 4 meals: 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners as listed (BD)
• 3 walk routes
• Fees for 1 walk for those collecting IVV credit (pending sanction approval)
• Pricing is based on double occupancy. A limited number of single rooms are available for a supplement of $200 per person. We also provide a roommate matching service.
• Cliffs of Moher visit and walk
• Guided walk on Inishmore
• Dun Aengus fortress on Inishmore
• Guided walking tour of Galway

OPTIONAL NORTHERN IRELAND & GIANT’S CAUSEWAY EXTENSION

• Superior tourist-class hotel accommodations
• 5 meals: All breakfasts and 2 dinners as listed (BD)
• 1 walk route at Giant’s Causeway
• Pricing is based on double occupancy. A limited number of single rooms is available for a supplement of $290. We also provide a roommate matching service.
• Guided bus & walking tour of Belfast
• Giant’s Causeway National Trust Visitor Centre and walk
• Antrim Coast scenic drive

Click on each day to reveal more details. (BLD) refers to meals included – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Travelers arrive throughout the day into Shannon International Airport on the west side of Ireland, about a 30-minute taxi ride to our hotel in Limerick. The day is free in Limerick until a Welcome Dinner this evening to rendezvous with the group coming back from the Pre-tour in the Aran Islands.

Our coach takes us towards the southwest corner of Ireland this morning, through counties Kerry and Tralee, bound for the lovely Dingle peninsula.

Tralee is known for roses and its renowned Rose of Tralee International Festival and beauty contest held later in August. The original Rose of Tralee was a beautiful young woman from 19 th  century Tralee named Mary O’Conner who was at the center of a tragic story of love denied and premature death. Tralee is a good place for a stroll through the rose garden and lunch on your own.

The Dingle area is a  Gaeltacht , meaning one of the few remaining enclaves where the Irish language, Gaelige, is still the mother tongue and the language of the street. After checking into the hotel, join us for a drive around Dingle Peninsula on the spectacular Slea Head Drive. Several stops are planned to enjoy dramatic coastal panoramas.

We spend two nights in Dingle enjoying one of the most traditionally Irish corners of the Emerald Isle!

Dingle Pilgrim Way – 5/9 km, rated 2B/4C

This morning’s Dingle Peninsula trail combines fuchsia-lined country lanes, pastoral rural landscapes, and early Christian stone monuments like Gallarus Oratory (6th to 9th century) and Kilmalkedar Church (12th century).

After the 5 km route, travelers have the option of heading back to town by bus for a free afternoon and evening in Dingle, or participation in a “challenge” walk. Your WAI guides will brief you on what to expect, but a “challenge” walk is simply one that encompasses more difficult trail than our typical route. In this case, it is an additional 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) and rated 4C.

The evening is free to experience the charms of small-town Ireland. Enjoy taking in the waterfront atmosphere on the Dingle Harbor with its photogenic fishing fleet and relax with a pub dinner–the many pubs of Dingle offer an opportunity to enjoy a traditional Irish musical jam session!

Gap of Dunloe Walk – 12 km, rated 2A

Glacier-carved Gap of Dunloe, in Killarney National Park, provides the setting for today’s memorable nature walk, a perennial WAI favorite. The plethora of panoramas in this dramatic gorge is accentuated by its babbling brook, crossed at intervals by picturesque stone bridges as it courses between remote mountain lakes.

Following a boat ride through the lovely vistas of Upper Lake, a short drive delivers us to our hotel in the town of Killarney.

A scenic drive across counties Tipperary and Cork takes us to today’s highlight, a visit to magnificent, medieval Rock of Cashel. This craggy stronghold rises dramatically from the Tipperary Plains and boasts a heritage of both royal and religious power dating back to the 5th century. We’ll hear the story from a local guide, imagining Celtic pathos, passion, and feats of derring-do going back over 1500 years!

The Great Famine, also known as The Great Hunger, was sparked by the 1845 potato crop failure caused by a potato blight. This was the first of four consecutive crop failures and the beginning of mass starvation and disease that prompted mass emigration.

From a starting population of 8 million, over a million people died of famine or disease and an additional 2 million forever said “goodbye” to Ireland. Built in 1845, the first year of the famine, the Dunbrody ship carried thousands of emigrants to North America between 1845 and 1851.

Upon arrival in New Ross, we visit a replica of the Dunbrody on a guided tour with costumed performers. This living history experience vividly connects us with the single greatest disaster in Irish history.

Glendalough Between the Lakes Walk – 5/9 km, rated 1A/2B

Our Adventure on the Emerald Isle continues this morning at the 6th century monastic city of Glendalough in the enchanting green Wicklow Mountains. The film in the visitor center and our nature walk in this “valley between the lakes” offer an intriguing glimpse into ancient Irish Catholicism, in a breathtaking setting.

Later this afternoon, we arrive in Dublin, capital of Ireland, founded, surprisingly, by Vikings in the 9th century.

Dinner is on your own this evening, but be sure to finish in time for an unforgettable taste of Ireland’s fast-paced music and dance. Riverdance is an internationally acclaimed team of singers, dancers, and musicians that epitomizes the Celtic energy of this uniquely Irish form of entertainment (The Riverdance show is contingent upon scheduling and availability of tickets).

Story of Dublin Walk – 11 km, rated 1A

A walk from our hotel passes Grafton Street, the National Museum, Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin Castle, and Trinity College, housing the Book of Kells (admissions not included).

Walkers are free to “peel off” from the group at any time during the walk. This is a walk that could easily take a full day, and more; it’s the perfect way to experience this charming and very walkable Irish capital. Our plan, however, is to arrive at Trinity College around lunch time. This is the most obvious place leave the group because of the chance to see the famous Book of Kells. The Book of Kells is an “illuminated” (highly decorated) manuscript of the four gospels of the New Testament created in the 9 th  century by monks of the St. Columba order.

The balance of the afternoon is free to enjoy Dublin on your own, do some final shopping, or pack up for tomorrow’s departure.

Join us this evening to share a light-hearted Farewell Dinner and reminisce about our experiences together in this blessed  Emerald Isle of Ireland .

You are free to depart at your leisure this morning. WAI guides will help batch travelers who share a similar departure schedule and would like to share a taxi to Dublin International Airport. It’s time to return to our North American reality. We won’t soon forget our Walking Adventure through the history, culture, and scenery of enchanting Ireland!

ARAN ISLANDS, GALWAY, & THE CLIFFS OF MOHER PRE-TOUR

Travelers arrive throughout the day into Shannon International Airport on the west side of Ireland, about a 30 minute taxi ride to our hotel in Limerick.

The only group activity is our Welcome Orientation and dinner this evening in anticipation of an unforgettable Emerald Isle of Ireland pre-tour to explore the Aran Islands, Galway, & the stunning Cliffs of Moher!

Cliffs of Moher Walk – 2 km, rated 1A

Our coach takes us into County Clare this morning to marvel at vistas along the stupendous Cliffs of Moher, 600-foot tall sandstone cliffs rising boldly out of the North Atlantic Ocean.

In addition to clifftop panoramas over Galway Bay, a bonus walk is available here to bring you even closer to this geological wonder! Lunch is also available at the visitor centre café. What a spectacular place to have a sandwich!

From Doolin, we board a ferry crossing Galway Bay to visit the largest of the remote and rugged Aran Islands. Up arrival, we’ll take advantage of minibus transportation for a guided tour to the highest point of the island on one of Ireland’s less visited corners.

From here, we see the Bronze Age Dun Aengus Fortress we visit on tomorrow’s walk. We also gain a sense of the barren nature of the island—gray sandstone dominates the landscape in all directions.

After exploring Inishmore’s austere beauty, we check into our hotel following a unique day on Galway Bay. Join us this evening for a scrumptious dinner in our hotel in Kilronan, the main settlement on an island of less than 900 souls.

Inishmore Dun Aengus Fortress Walk – 5 km rated 2B Galway Walking Tour – 2 km, unrated

We start early this morning, anticipating a memorable experience on an ancient trail that winds between a patchwork of picturesque stone walls to Dun Aengus Fortress.

This prehistoric fortress (over 3000 years old) perched atop 300-foot tall sea cliffs presides over one of Ireland’s most remote and starkly ageless corners. This island of bare limestone forced early settlers to manufacture soil by hand, mixing sand and seaweed on the barren plateau.

The ferry returns us to the mainland where we rejoin our coach on the northern side of the bay and drive to the storied city of Galway, named European Capital of Culture for 2020.

After time for lunch, an afternoon walking tour with our national guide introduces us to this charming town of pedestrianized lanes offering stories of the “tribes”, Anglo-Norman merchant families who dominated the city beginning in the 15th century.

Later, we motor south to our hotel in Limerick to rendezvous for dinner with travelers arriving for the Main tour.

NORTHERN IRELAND & GIANT’S CAUSEWAY EXTENSION

Travelers who opt for the optional extension into Northern Ireland are in for 2 busy days of exploring this beautiful and oft-contentious corner of the island. We head across the border bound for Belfast, where we connect with this historic city on a 3-hour bus and walking tour.

Our objective is to gain understanding of The Troubles, a period of conflict between Irish nationalist (loyal to Ireland) Catholics and Protestant unionist (loyal to the UK) immigrants from Scotland and northern England. The Troubles rose to a crescendo during 30 years of fighting from the 1960s until the Good Friday Agreement was signed in 1998.

Later this afternoon, we check into our hotel for dinner and a 2-night stay.

Giant’s Causeway Sea Cliff Walk – 10 km, rated 2B

The scenic wonders of Northern Ireland are our focus today.

Giant’s Causeway is the venue for one of our favorite nature walks (WAI guide Tim lists it in his top 3)—a stretch of stunning sea cliff scenery on the north coast of the island. Non-stop clifftop vistas climax at Giant’s Causeway, visually stunning, honeycomb-shaped basaltic rock formations that comprise Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Our route back to Belfast introduces us to the stunning seascapes of the Antrim Coast. Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1988, this 20 mile stretch of craggy coastline contains some of the island’s most jaw-dropping coastal panoramas.

We finish two rich days of exploring Northern Ireland with a Farewell Dinner this evening back in Belfast.

The Emerald Isle of Ireland has so much to offer. We’ve seen a good portion of it together, returning home with renewed appreciation for the history, culture, and natural wonders of this blessed corner of our planet.

Before You Book

Click on each heading for more details.

To register, a non-refundable $300 deposit is required to hold your spot. A final payment is due 90 days before departure and is non-refundable after the due date. You will receive a prompt email from us 2 to 3 weeks in advance.

Soon after registration, an “Adventure Advice” email will be sent with critical information on flight arrangements as well as important steps to take in the months before your trip.  Please do not buy your airline tickets  until you review this Adventure Advice email.

Please follow this link to read our full  General Tour Conditions .

With help from local experts and walking guides, Classic Curated itineraries are crafted with extensive on-site planning by WAI tour planners.

When designing Classic Curated Tours, our objective is to capture the essence of a destination—the history, culture, and natural wonders unique to that part of the world. We then build activities and walks that take us  inside  these characteristics.

Yes, these tours are educational, but they are also interactive and immersive; walking gets us off the bus and penetrates local cultures to not only see, but also touch, smell, and feel these special spaces.

Along the way, interactions with locals amplify the experience by sharing insights into the magic of that particular location.

Part of the WAI travel philosophy is a continual fine-tuning of tours we already know well. In the case of Ireland, we’ve been visiting the Emerald Isle since the early 90s as part of longer, wider-ranging British Isles itineraries.

In 2003 we conducted an in-depth, on-site scouting trip to build our first tour dedicated solely to Ireland and Northern Ireland. Nine tours and innumerable adjustments and tweaks later, the 2024 edition of this Adventure is the outcome of these many years of experience on the Emerald Isle.

We generally walk at a pace of 2 to 3 miles per hour. Several walks on this trip are oriented more towards education, and therefore take longer due to stops for guide commentary. Nature walks, on the other hand, generally continue at a steadier pace because we’re stopping less to talk.

In most cases, we are not “strolling.” We are walking at a relaxed but steady pace. Your experience will be significantly affected by your level of physical fitness. If not walking regularly at home, we strongly recommend that you make a priority of “training” beforehand in order to both enjoy the trip and avoid medical issues due to overexertion. If you have questions about your ability to participate, please call our office at 1.360.260.9393.

We have adopted a walk difficulty rating system which contains a numeric indicator for trail incline and an alpha indicator for trail terrain. The explanation for this system is presented on the table below:

1. Minimal hills or stair climbing. Cumulative elevation gain: <200 feet. 2. Some moderate hills and stair climbing. Cumulative elevation gain: 200-1000 feet. 3. Some significant hill or stair climbing. Cumulative elevation gain: 1000-2000 feet.

A. Almost entirely on pavement. B. A significant part of the route is on well-groomed trails with very few obstacles. C. A significant part of the route is on somewhat difficult terrain (rocky / rooted paths or soft sand).

Both the  Emerald Isle of Ireland  and the  Aran Islands, Galway, & the Cliffs of Moher Pre-tour start in Limerick and finish in Dublin. The official starting point is our hotel in Limerick, best served by Shannon Airport, (airport code SNN). The official finishing point of the tour is our hotel in Dublin, best served by Dublin Airport (airport code DUB).

The Northern Ireland & Giant’s Causeway Extension finishes at our hotel in Belfast, which is best served by Belfast International Airport (airport code BFS).

Transfers are not included in the tour price but taxi service is easily arranged upon arrival at the Shannon airport. WAI guides will help batch travelers who share a similar departure schedule and would like to share a taxi to Dublin Airport and Belfast International Airport.

We recommend that you contact Laura Pfahler, the travel agent we work with, to help book your flight arrangements. In this age of airfare complications and airport uncertainty, using a travel agent is a good investment! More details about flight arrangements and travel agent contact information will be provided in an Adventure Advice PDF by email after you register for the Adventure.   Please do not book your airfare prior to receiving these flight details from us !

• Laura Pfahler: 503.434.6401 or  [email protected]

WAI believes strongly in the importance of travel insurance for financial and medical protection from any number of unforeseen circumstances that can arise before departure or during your Adventure. Many travel insurance providers are available for you to consider. Laura Pfahler and Sharon Mitchell of World Travel Inc. are travel agents who provides air travel and insurance services to many WAI travelers.

Laura Pfahler: 503-434-6401 or  [email protected] Sharon Mitchell: 971-261-2091 or  [email protected]

Check out  Insurance Tips   from World Travel for a short introduction to travel insurance. (NOTE: WAI receives no commission or financial remuneration from World Travel Inc.).

Be aware that some travel insurance policies contain time-sensitive provisions (i.e. some benefits, such as coverage of pre-existing conditions, are available only if the policy is purchased within a certain number of days of the purchase of the travel package). In addition, remember that airfare is not covered by any travel insurance policy you may have purchased for the tour.

As always, do some shopping to ensure you are getting the best value. Using the  SquareMouth.com  website can be a good way to compare pricing.

Other options include:

• Travel Guard
• Travel Insured International

WAI bears no responsibility for travel insurance benefits advertised by various credit card companies. If you are relying on this type of benefit for insurance, we advise you to verify coverage types and limits and that your purchase does in fact qualify you for this insurance.

NOTE: We suggest purchasing from a reputable, well-established insurance company (avoid buying insurance from an unknown company found only online). Travelers interested in purchasing “cancel for any reason” insurance coverage should be careful to check pricing and terms BEFORE they register for a tour. Recent changes in the international travel landscape has caused changes in the policies of some insurance companies, and made the purchase of this particular type of policy even more time-sensitive.

Walking Adventures International reserves the right to cancel this tour departure with fewer than 15 participants, in which case registered participants will receive a 100% refund of payments received.

This refund policy contains one exclusion. Many suppliers require non-refundable deposits as a condition of booking services. Though it is rare, unforeseen circumstances can force us to cancel a tour. In cases where supplier’s non-refundable policies are imposed, WAI attempts to retrieve as much of these deposits as possible but cannot guarantee a 100% refund. In cases where full refunds cannot be obtained for a cancelled tour, we will do our best to transfer unrefunded money as traveler credits to be applied to a future tour to that destination.

Our approach to wellness on tour has traditionally been to encourage travelers to:

• Focus on health before the tour so you start healthy.
• Pace yourself while on tour; travel is inherently stimulating and can produce adrenalin boosts that mask energy drain. Guard your energy reserves and consider the length of the trip and whether to opt out of some activities and/or walks.
• Be self-aware. If you feel yourself tiring or feel a bug coming on, take precautions to block it (e.g. extra rest, extra doses of vitamin C, etc).
• If you feel a bug coming on or if you take ill, distance yourself from others when possible.
• If you feel ill, isolate yourself towards the back of the bus and away from others

Click  WAI Wellness on Tour Policy  to view the WAI policy on Wellness on Tour.

Soon after registration, an “Adventure Advice” email will be sent with critical information on flight arrangements as well as important steps to take in the months before your trip. Please do not buy your airline tickets until you review this Adventure Advice email.

A final payment is due 90 days before departure (April 5, 2024) and is non-refundable after the due date. You will receive a prompt email from us a week or two in advance. Please see our General Tour Conditions  for the full terms and conditions for participation in this Adventure.

Around 2 weeks before departure, you will receive a final email packet with details of the program, including hotel names and contact information, a list of fellow travelers, and a more detailed daily schedule.

Take a few minutes to peruse the  Emerald Isle of Ireland itinerary. This Adventure adds more evidence that walking is still and always the best way to experience our world!

Adventure Pace

Tour Pace: 1 2 3 4 5 Walk Challenge: 1 2 3 4 5

How much Adventure do you want? Here are a few features to help gauge the following factors on each tour.

Tour Pace: On a scale of 1 (slowest pace) to 5 (fastest pace), we’ve rated the following factors: number of 1-night hotels; driving miles per day; fullness of schedule; mid-tour airline flights; high elevation setting; and average amount of walking per day.

Walk Challenge: This number represents an average walk difficulty rating for the tour using a scale of 1 (easiest) to 5 (hardest).

Important Info

Accommodations

Transportation

Traveler Age

Your guides.

Tim Friesen has explored the charming towns and verdant countryside of Ireland since 2004, leading 9 departures of our Ireland tour thus far!

Tim leads a range of walking adventures for WAI, both in Europe and the USA. He recently retired from a long and happy career as a high school choir teacher in Molalla, Oregon, which explains why he is sometime known to burst into song on the trail.

Tim is particularly eager to be returning to lovely Ireland to share its unique charms with a group of happy, inquisitive walkers. Tim is joined by his son, Christopher, and our excellent local guide, Gerard Mangan. Together, this trio looks forward to sharing the delights of the Emerald Isle with you!

Christopher Friesen brings a blend of musical artistry and cultural curiosity to Walking Adventures.

Christopher’s lifelong dedication to music as an entertainer and private educator has taken him abroad to destinations such as Indonesia, China, Japan, Estonia, and Scandinavia, broadening his perspective and respect for historical context and diverse worldviews.

Beyond musical pursuits, Chris is an outdoor enthusiast, engaging in mountaineering, backpacking, biking, and skiing. He is excited to assist his dad, Tim, in sharing new destinations with WAI travelers.

Gerard Mangan  has been our local guide on several past trips to Ireland and is a perennial favorite with travelers!

Gerard makes his home in Galway City, and is a qualified Fáilte Ireland National Tour Guide with a Diploma in Archaeology from the National University of Ireland Galway. Gerard has been guiding groups for the past 20+ years and enjoys hiking in his free time as well – to date, he has hiked in all of the mountain ranges of Ireland and walked extensively in Scotland and other parts of Europe. Gerard looks forwarding to sharing the trails of Ireland with you!

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Ranked: The BEST Things To Do In Northern Ireland

Posted: April 27, 2024 | Last updated: April 27, 2024

Unmissable highlights of Northern Ireland

Small but mighty Northern Ireland packs in plenty of impressive sights, Celtic culture, cuisine, tradition and history into 32,595 square miles. From museums to festivals and fine dining experiences, this destination offers an activity for every age and a flavour for every palette.

Click or scroll through the gallery to discover our guide to the unmissable highlights of Northern Ireland, with a focus on activities for city break lovers...

1. Visit Titanic Belfast

Located on the very spot where the ill-fated ship was designed, built and launched, Titanic Belfast is a world-leading tourist attraction which takes visitors on an immersive journey from the bustling boomtown of early 19 th  century Belfast, through the conception and construction of the RMS Titanic. You'll also learn what life was like on board the completed ship and within the cabins of various classes, and finally the story culminates in the tragic sinking and devastating aftermath, with one of the largest collections of salvaged artefacts in the world.

The museum is designed for guests of all ages, with plenty of interactive elements to engage young children, and a wealth of information presented through multimedia exhibits. There’s even a short, fairground-style ride which takes passengers through the sights, sounds and smells of the shipyard as it would have been during the Titanic’s construction.

Also in the vicinity and worth exploring are the SS Nomadic, the Titanic’s tender ship and the last remaining White Star Liner vessel in the world; the slipways where the ship was actually constructed; and the former Harland & Wolff headquarters where the Titanic was designed – and which is now the Titanic Hotel Belfast .

2. Tour the Titanic Distillers

While exploring Belfast’s rapidly developing 10-km (six-mile) Maritime Mile along the waterfront, you’ll want to stop by the  Titanic Distillers , a new distillery based out of a former pumphouse that once serviced the Titanic, as well as many other ships. Distillery tours take visitors on a journey through the building’s history, from its original use – as a pumphouse, it was the last spot where Titanic rested on dry ground before she set sail – to its restoration and renovation into the distillery, including an explanation of the whiskey making process.

The tour ends with a tasting, allowing guests to sample their Irish Whisky and award-winning Irish vodka, distilled on site. The tour is a must-do for history and whiskey-lovers alike, the perfect way to immerse yourself in Belfast’s maritime past while enjoying some of its very best contemporary spirits.

There is also a fantastic gift shop if you want to bring some Titanic-branded beverages back home. 

3. Take a hike up Cave Hill

If you’re looking for an outdoor experience near Belfast that doesn’t require elite outdoorsman skills, then a hike up Cave Hill is the perfect excursion, with the added benefit that the trails are within easy walking distance of the city centre. The hike starts at the beautiful Belfast Castle , a late 19 th century mansion built in the Scottish baronial style popular at the time and situated on a promontory overlooking the city. From here, hikers can choose one of several routes of varying lengths, depending on how ambitious they’re feeling.

Any hike here should include a visit to McArt's Fort, known by locals as ‘the nose’ or ‘Napoleon’s Nose.’ This promontory sits 1,207 feet (368m) above sea level and is said to resemble the profile of the French emperor Napoleon I.

Napoleon’s Nose is also said to have inspired the giant in Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels . This summit will provide breathtaking views out across the city, while the entire journey up the hill is punctuated with beautiful vistas of rolling farmland, leafy pastures and the occasional herd of cows.

4. Savour the flavours on a tasting tour

If you’re keen to sample more of the flavours of Belfast, you should check out the variety of experiences offered by  Taste & Tour , a company which specialises in various walking tours based around the city’s culinary highlights. The tours are an excellent way to see the city, while providing the low-down on the best places to eat and drink from a knowledgeable guide.

Great tour options from Taste & Tour include the Belfast Food Tour, the Belfast Gin Jaunt, the City Cocktail Circuit and the 5 Stop Brunch. Whichever tour you choose, the company ethos remains the same – highlighting local traditions and businesses, showcasing the very best of Northern Ireland’s flavours and generally creating an atmosphere of a big, portable party. 

We tried the City Cocktail Circuit and loved getting to sample a wide variety of artisanal drinks in locations ranging from the sumptuous and historic Merchant Hotel to a quirky underground speakeasy. And, if the thought of so many beverages in a concentrated time causes concern, don’t worry: there are plenty of tasty snacks included along the way! 

5. Visit the Ulster American Folk Park

Moving away from Belfast and into County Tyrone (around 1 hour 20 from Belfast by car), you’ll find another activity that’s perfect for the whole family – the Ulster American Folk Park . Popular with international tourists as well as locals, this living history museum recreates rural Irish life in the 18 th century and charts the Irish immigrant’s journey from County Tyrone across the Atlantic to the American frontier.

Throughout the museum’s collection of authentic 18 th and 19 th century buildings, costumed interpreters perform daily chores and regale guests with stories from the past.

Visitors will start in a traditional Ulster village, moving along the bustling high street from the blacksmiths to the schoolhouse, and then board the recreated ‘Brig Union ship,’ experiencing the cramped quarters and squalid conditions that immigrants endured for the 12-week journey to the US. They will then emerge in the vibrant New World and discover how Irish immigrants built new lives and communities in settlements as wide ranging as West Virginia, Tennessee and Pennsylvania.

The Ulster American Folk Park also offers a range of seasonal events and workshops, particularly around the holidays.

6. Sample cider at Long Meadow Farm

Well into their third generation of farmers, the McKeever’s of  Long Meadow Cider  is a family farm situated in County Armagh, which has long been dedicated to the production of Bramley apples. The McKeevers turn the tasty fruit into award-winning juices, ciders and apple cider vinegars, with tried and tested methods that have been passed down from generation to generation.

The best way to experience all that Long Meadow has to offer is with a tour, which includes a walk through the aromatic orchard, a peek into the apple pressing and bottling room and the cold storage facilities (with the chance to try both a piece of fruit and shot of apple cider vinegar), and a fabulous finish in the glass-fronted barn overlooking the orchard with a cup of hot coffee and a piece of freshly made apple tart and cream. There is also the option to enjoy a cooking demonstration and tasting of Irish soda bread.

And of course, all tours include a tasting of the various juices and ciders produced on site.

7. Take a tour of the Derry walls

In the historic walled city of Derry/Londonderry, you’ll have the chance to experience all that the inaugural UK City of Culture has to offer. The best way to do this is to take a tour of the city walls themselves.

Join a City Walking Tour for an engaging, unbiased journey through Derry/Londonderry's history, from its Christian settlement in the 6 th century, up through the Troubles including Bloody Sunday, to its current reputation as a seat of music, hospitality and peace.

City Walking Tours take in exciting highlights, including the siege cannons still mounted on the city walls, St Columb’s Cathedral, and the Bogside murals, painted on the sides of buildings by local artists, which depict poignant moments from the Troubles. Plus, for fans of the hit Channel 4 TV series Derry Girls , there are quite a few familiar landmarks and references sprinkled in along the way…

8. Pay homage to the Derry Girls

In fact, there are plenty of opportunities for Derry Girls fans to immerse themselves in the world of these iconic characters while visiting the city. Perhaps the biggest attraction is the Derry Girls mural, painted by UV Arts in 2019 to honour the show’s impact on the city.

The mural is a fantastic photo opp for Derry Girls fans of all ages. 

There is also a fantastic Derry Girls Experience in the Tower Museum , located in the heart of the city. Here, visitors can see sets, costumes and props used on the hit TV series, as well as watch interviews with its cast and creator Lisa McGee, as they find out more about the production process.

If all this walking has tired you out, you can always stop by Doherty’s Home Bakery for a cream horn pick-me-up in honour of the show's Granda Joe!

9. Pull your own pints at the Walled City Brewery

The best way to end a day in Derry/Londonderry is within the warm and welcoming confines of the Walled City Brewery . Here, the self-proclaimed “expert hipster brewers” will take you on a tour of the facilities, letting you taste the different grains used, showing you the equipment for the brewing process and explaining the history of the brewery itself, which originally opened in 1872.

At the end of the tour comes the highlight – the opportunity to pull your own pint of choice, straight from the keg.

The Walled City Brewery also boasts an impressive onsite restaurant, with a menu inspired by local produce and flavours and featuring everything from steak and chips and pork fillet to gluten-free, veggie and vegan options. The restaurant is family friendly and makes an excellent spot to kick back and relax with a pint after a day of exploring, or in preparation for a night of festivities…

10. Revel at Derry Halloween

If you’re lucky enough to visit Derry/Londonderry at the end of October, you’ll find yourself immersed in Derry Halloween , Europe’s largest Halloween festival (taking place 28-31 October 2024). Steeped in centuries of Celtic tradition, the festival celebrates the end of the harvest season and the coming of winter or, in slightly darker lore, the moment when the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead is at its thinnest.

While our modern Halloween traditions may have come a long way from these early Gaelic precursors, the spirit of Samhain is still alive and well in Derry.

In a rollicking marriage of old and new traditions, Derry Halloween turns the entire walled city into one enormous party, with music, dancers, acrobats, storytellers, fire artists and live performances of every kind. The festival runs for about a week leading up to the main event – an enormous parade and fireworks display that caps off the festivities.

Hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world flood the city for this special event every year, all dressed to impress in their finest (or fiercest!) festive attire.

Now discover Ireland's most beautiful small towns and villages

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The Perfect 10-Day Itinerary for First Timers Visiting Ireland

Never been to ireland hike, dine, and play your way through a land of vibrant culture and wild beauty on this tour through dublin, northern ireland, the lakelands, and the wild atlantic way..

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The Giant’s Causeway

Courtesy of Tourism Ireland

No matter your interests, Ireland has something magnificent on offer—particularly if you’re a fan of the outdoors. From iconic cliff hikes and charming village strolls to Dublin sightseeing and visits to ancient settlements, the island is awash in rich experiences. This 10-day itinerary for first timers introduces you to the island through an epic exploration of culture and natural wonder. Whether seeking a rush or relaxation, you’re sure to build life-long memories and fill your heart with Ireland.

Trip Highlight:

Hiking the cliffs of moher.

Trip Designer:

Tourism ireland.

The Gaia exhibit at Trinity College’s library

Courtesy of Tourism Ireland/Barry McCall Photographer

Day 1: Diving into Culture in Dublin

A birds-eye perspective of the monastic city of Glendalough

Courtesy Failte Ireland

Day 2: Exploring History in Ireland’s Ancient East

Titanic Belfast

Courtesy of K. Mitch Hodge/Unsplash

Day 3: Road Trip to Belfast

Dunluce Castle sits buffeted by the Atlantic Ocean.

Courtesy of Chris Hill/Tourism Ireland

Day 4: Sightseeing on the Causeway Coastal Route and Delighting in Derry-Londonderry

Day 5: Kayaking the Lakelands of Ireland

Sky Road in Connemara

Courtesy of Kevin Bosc/Unsplash

Days 6–7: The Scenic Route Through the Wild Atlantic Way and Connemara National Park

The Cliffs of Moher

Courtesy of Christopher Hill Photographic 2014/Tourism Ireland

Days 8–9: Seaside Village Life and Hiking the Cliffs of Moher

Courtesy of Magdalena Smolnicka/Unsplash

Day 10: Shop Doolin

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Breaking news, rory mcilroy sings boozy karaoke with shane lowry after dramatic pga tour win.

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Rory McIlroy knows how to party. 

The Northern Irish golf star celebrated a victory at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans team event on Sunday by chugging a Michelob ULTRA and belting out the lyrics to “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey with a live band in front of a rocking audience of golf fans. 

The PGA Tour posted the video to its social media channels following the tournament win for McIlroy and his teammate Shane Lowry at TPC Louisiana. 

JUST A SMALL TOWN GIRL pic.twitter.com/NefSbCQjAk — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 29, 2024

The duo defeated ​​Chad Ramey and Martin Trainer in a playoff to capture the Zurich Classic and McIlroy won his 25th PGA Tour title and first of the season. 

McIlroy hit a brilliant pitch on the 72nd hole to set up a short Lowry birdie putt to force a playoff in what is the PGA Tour’s lone team event of the season.

Trainer missed a six-foot par putt that allowed McIlroy and Lowry the win and set off a boozy celebration on Sunday. 

“To win any PGA Tour event is very cool, but to do it with one of your closest friends — we’ve known each other for a long, long time, probably like over 20 years,” McIlroy said, per the Associated Press. “To think about where we met and where we’ve come from, to be on this stage and do this together — really, really cool journey that we’ve been a part of.”

In another video posted by the PGA Tour, the two are seen walking through a parking lot after the victory led by a New Orleans-style brass band after the win. 

A separate video shows McIlroy on a stage chugging a beer in front of a large gathering of golf fans. 

“People have come out in the thousands to support us. It’s not lost on me how cool that is,” McIlroy said about the crowds that followed during the tournament. “Every time I get to play in front of thousands of people, the little boy in me just thinks it’s so cool and so exciting.”

Cheers @McIlroyRory 🍻 pic.twitter.com/MH4mPxHvnU — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 29, 2024

It was a fitting celebration given McIlroy previously told Claire Rogers of Golf.com that he asked Lowry to partner together at a “really drunken lunch” after the Ryder Cup.

Lowry had previously teamed with Padraig Harrington, who now plays on the Champions Tour.

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